Title: Contracts Specialist – Clean Energy Programs Location: Newark, New Jersey Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days a week in office)

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, women-owned consulting and advisory firm exclusively focused on the utilities and power sectors. Our teams are trusted by leading electric utilities and engineering firms to deliver large-scale capital projects with integrity, precision, and speed. We specialize in program management, field execution oversight, and business intelligence services that power the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Position Overview

CARIAN is hiring a Contracts Specialist – Clean Energy Programs to support a major clean energy initiative for a utility client. This role will provide full lifecycle contract management from supporting RFP development and contract negotiations to execution, compliance tracking, and closeout. You’ll work cross-functionally with project managers, procurement, legal, and other client stakeholders to ensure contracts are structured effectively and drive performance aligned with regulatory and business goals.

This is a high-impact role ideal for a professional with strong contract acumen, utility or infrastructure experience, and a detail-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

Manage contract lifecycle from scope development and solicitation through execution and closeout

Draft, review, and negotiate scopes of work, pricing structures, and contract terms

Identify key contract obligations and risks; prepare summaries and ensure all requirements are documented and tracked

Monitor supplier performance and support resolution of contractual issues or disputes

Maintain contract records, templates, and compliance documentation in alignment with program and corporate standards

Collaborate with internal and client-side stakeholders, including Legal, Procurement, Risk, and Program Management

Contribute to process improvements and documentation of contracting workflows

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in contract administration or legal support, or a JD and 3+ years of relevant experience

Demonstrated understanding of contract drafting, negotiation, and lifecycle management

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management tools

Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel to client sites in New Jersey as needed

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in utility, clean energy, or energy efficiency programs

Familiarity with procurement processes and supplier performance management

General knowledge of contract law, UCC, or FIDIC contract formats

Experience with SAP, Ariba, SharePoint, PowerAdvocate, or similar systems

Business or technical writing experience

PMP certification

Why CARIAN?

Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities

Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results

Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams

Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships

Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

CARIAN takes pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any legally protected class.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, CARIAN is committed to providing employment opportunities to women, veterans, and underrepresented minorities.